AN ANGRY World Cup football fan hurled a plate at his partner, gashing open her forehead.

Bolton Crown Court heard that John Derby had been watching the Belgium v Tunisia match on the evening of June 23.

He initially told police that his partner's wound, a three inch gash, had been the result of an accident.

"He said he had jumped up in excitement and the plate had jumped up by about a metre, causing the injury," said Paul Hodgkinson.

But Derby, aged 53, of Church Avenue, Daubhill, later pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.

The court heard how police were alerted to the incident at 7.30pm in an anonymous phone call.

"The caller stated they had seen the victim running in the street, clearly distressed and appeared to be covered in blood," said Mr Hodgkinson.

When officers arrived at the address Derby had left through a back door.

"She [the victim] explained that this defendant had thrown a plate at her," said Mr Hodgkinson.

Judge Graeme Smith heard how there were three children in the house at the time who had witnessed the aftermath of the assault.

"Police describe them as being visibly distressed and shocked," said Mr Hodgkinson.

Derby's partner was taken to hospital where stitches and glue were used to treat the three inch by one inch wide gash on her forehead plus a one inch cut to the side of her head. She also suffered a cut and bruising under her left eye.

Derby, who had been drinking cider since 10am, was arrested the day after the assault.

"When arrested, his main concern was that police had damaged his front door," said Mr Hodgkinson.

The court heard that police had been called on previous occasions after Derby had assaulted his partner but she had not supported any prosecution.

He has convictions for 16 previous offences, including some for violence.

Nicholas Ross, defending, said the victim and Derby, who appeared in court via a video link from prison, plan to stay together.

"It is believed that the relationship will continue," said Mr Ross.

Judge Smith adjourned sentence until August 2 in order to get more information about the victim's injuries and her recovery.

"This is a serious case and it would be wrong of me to proceed on assumptions," he said.